Lester Holt shared advice with Tom Llamas prior to his takeover of 'NBC Nightly News'
Tom Llamas Makes History as First Latino Anchor of "NBC Nightly News"
When Tom Llamas steps into NBC's Rockefeller Center headquarters in 2000 as a fresh-faced intern, little did he know he'd make history over two decades later.
On June 6th, 2025, Llamas becomes a part of television news history, taking the fifth spot as anchor of "NBC Nightly News" and becoming the first Latino journalist to helm a daily English-language network evening newscast. His mentor, Jose Diaz-Balart, who handles the Saturday edition, paves the way for Llamas' trailblazing achievement.
Born to Cuban immigrants, Llamas grew up in Miami with strong ties to the city. Pop superstar Gloria Estefan and "Sabado Gigante" host Don Francisco celebrated his promotion with a party in Florida. Llamas, 45, lives in Westchester County, N.Y., with his wife, Jennifer, their children aged 12, nine and seven, and a dedicated room for his vinyl record collection collected from a decade of crate-digging on global assignments.
In an exclusive interview with The Times, Llamas shares his thoughts on his new role, experiences with mentors, and the evolving news landscape.
What advice did Lester Holt, your longtime friend and mentor, give you for this new role?
Lester Holt has dedicated his life to this job, and I asked him about it. He told me that my life is going to change, with everyone wanting a piece of me and numerous demands, more than I've ever experienced. He advised me to make the right decisions when it comes to my career and family.
Do your children watch "NBC Nightly News" and "Top Story"?**
Oh yeah.
My youngest explained the election process to his classmates. Sometimes it can be tough. They were watching during Hurricane Milton last summer when a transformer exploded over my head, which was a bit scary. There were some panicked text messages and calls to me at that time.
What are your early news viewing memories?
I remember Fidel Castro interviews vividly. They were significant moments because my parents would scrutinize them and have open discussions about the fairness of the interviews. This experience inspired in me a deep understanding of the importance of fairness and how viewers react to it.
Did this influence you to pursue a career in journalism?
It wasn't necessarily an inspiration, but it was a testament to the significance of the news. My family relied on the news, wanting updates on events in their native Cuba and America. They listened, and they trusted these people.
Journalism: A Changing Landscape
Anchor changes are shaking up one of the last traditional TV viewing habits. Two of the three network evening newscasts undergo major overhauls.
Why keep "Top Story" in the mix alongside "NBC Nightly News"?
It was my idea. To succeed in today's media-saturated environment, you've got to be everywhere. I didn't want to lose what we've established for three and a half years with "Top Story." We were nominated for an Emmy alongside legacy shows like "Nightly News," "ABC World News Tonight," and the "CBS Evening News," and that's been one of the highlights of my career.
Controversy in Broadcasting
Critics argue that the news industry is undergoing pressure, with anchor changes and investigations into diversity, equity, and inclusion policies. The Federal Communications Commission has called for an investigation into NBC's parent firm Comcast for what it describes as "DEI discrimination."
Has this muffled the achievement of being the first Latino anchor of an English-speaking, nightly newscast?
I got this job because I'm the best person for the job, and NBC agrees. My Latino heritage is something I'm proud of, but it didn't grant me this position; my skills and dedication did.
Vinyl Records and Music Passions
While hailing from the streaming music generation, Llamas boasts a vinyl record collection. His passion for vinyl began with a serendipitous encounter with a friend's record player in Los Angeles, and it evolved into a quest for original pressings from around the world.
What's on your turntable at the moment?
I'm in a hard-bop phase, so I'm listening to a lot of Art Blakey, Cannonball Adderley, and Bruce Springsteen's late '70s-'80s concert albums. I also discovered Elvis Presley's "From Elvis in Memphis." It's an amazing Americana album with great live performances.
Further Reading
- Tom Llamas succeeds Lester Holt as anchor of "NBC Nightly News"
- Lester Holt to depart "NBC Nightly News" this summer
- Fox News hires President Trump's daughter-in-law as weekend host
- Tom Llamas's children watch "NBC Nightly News" and "Top Story" with him.
- Llamas was advised by Lester Holt to make the right decisions balancing his career and family in his new role.
- Llamas was inspired by his parents' scrutiny of Fidel Castro interviews during his childhood, leading him to understand the importance of fairness in news reporting.
- Critics argue that the news industry is undergoing pressure with anchor changes and investigations into diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, including the Federal Communications Commission's call for an investigation into NBC’s parent firm Comcast.
- Llamas boasts a vinyl record collection, with current favorites including Art Blakey, Cannonball Adderley, Bruce Springsteen, and Elvis Presley's "From Elvis in Memphis."
- Llamas believes he got the job as the first Latino anchor of an English-speaking, nightly newscast based on his skills and dedication, rather than his Latino heritage.
